Fresh From The Farm

Outdoor Markets Return To The City With Fruits, Vegetables And Some New Additions

June 09, 1999|By Elizabeth Owens-Schiele. Special to the Tribune.

Beyond the fresh fruits and vegetables, farmers markets this year will bring the heavenly smells of baked goods, roasted nuts and coffee beans into city streets.

"In the past 10 years, the number of farmers markets in Chicago has doubled because people want them in their communities," Mayor Richard M. Daley said in a statement to the Tribune. "They are good for Chicagoans, good for the community and good for the growers.

"Expanding the types of foods available at the markets will offer more variety to their existing customers and encourage even more residents to come out to the markets."

Daley encouraged the Chicago City Council last year to lift restrictions on farmers market vendors, who had been limited to selling fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers.

"The mayor is a big proponent of the markets and loves the program as a community event," said Constance Buscemi, Department of Consumer Services spokeswoman. "We opened the markets up this year to nuts, spices, coffees, teas and baked goods." Visitors to the Chicago markets this year will also discover oils and sauces, fresh herbs, handcrafted soaps and dried flowers for sale .

Four Friends Gourmet of Oconomowoc, Wis., will be among the new vendors this year with its sauce verte (green sauce). "Our product is made with fresh ingredients-cilantro and jalapeno in a vinegar-and-oil base with onion and garlic," said Joanne Canyon-Heller, a Rogers Park resident and one of the four friends.

Canyon-Heller says the sauce could be used "as a dipping sauce, for cold shrimp, grilled salmon, baked potatoes, French fries and with tortilla chips."

This is the first farmers market for the firm, which began business in December. The green sauce and three others will sell for $3.50 per 8-ounce jar.

"When you go to the markets, you want to smell and see things that are natural, and that's what our soaps are," said Anita Hero, co-owner of Cream City Soap Co. of Wauwatosa, Wis., who with her husband, Michael, will be participating in Chicago markets for the first time. Their soap "flavors" range from lavender to peppermint, citrus to oatmeal-honey and Northwoods pine blend.

One new market is Chicago's Green City Market in the Benton Place passageway, next to the Chicago Theatre. The market features organic foods on Fridays, and specialty foods and prepared items (under the banner "Foods from Chicago's Neighborhoods") Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For more information about city farmers markets, call the Chicago Department of Consumer Services, 312-744-4006.

The recipes at right can help you make delicious use of market harvests through the months to come, starting with spring strawberries and rhubarb.

Daley Plaza: On Richard J. Daley Center Plaza north of Washington Street, between Dearborn and Clark Streets. A preseason market will take place June 10, followed by markets on Thursdays, July 8, 22, Aug. 5, 19, Sept. 2, 23 and Tuesday, Oct. 5. Markets also will take place during the Chicagoween Festival Oct. 18-22 and Oct. 25-29.

Federal Plaza:On the Federal Building Plaza east of the U.S. Post Office at Adams and Dearborn Streets. Markets take place weekly on Tuesdays June 15-Oct. 12.